Social Studies
Why the Cold War Began: How the US and USSR went from Allies to Enemies
This one-day course will explore the events after World War II that put the United States and the Soviet Union on the path to cold war.
There are no upcoming classes.
13-18
year olds
2-10
learners per class
$12
Charged upfront
Meets once
55 minute class
There are no open spots for this class.
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Description
Class Experience
This class covers President Harry Truman's foreign policy during his first term (1945-48), focusing on the souring relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union. It delves into the specific events that broke down trust between the US and the USSR and led to the Cold War and the nuclear arms race. This is an interesting, relaxed class, and discussion and student participation are encouraged. The class includes props, such as maps and photos of key figures, and primary sources,...
Students will improve their understanding of the US-USSR alliance during World War II that defeated Nazi Germany. They will learn about the conferences at Yalta and Potsdam and US dissatisfaction with the treatment of Eastern European governments by the occupying Soviet Union. They will learn about the effect that Winston Churchill's "Iron Curtain" speech had on American public opinion about the USSR. They will learn about President Harry Truman's foreign policy, including the atomic bomb, the Truman Doctrine, US aid to Greece and Turkey, the Marshall Plan, and the Berlin Airlift.
I took a Cold War course in graduate school. I wanted to offer this because US history surveys often only have time to describe what happened rather than why it happened. This will hopefully better explain to students how we went from fighting a common enemy with the Soviet Union to mutually-assured-destruction in a short period of time.
No homework will be assigned with this class.
55 minutes per week in class, and maybe some time outside of class.
Teacher
About Me
Hi! I'm Jacob. I strive to teach history in a way that inspires and entertains students while developing their research, writing, and critical thinking skills. My courses center on US history and civics, but I will occasionally include courses...
